U.S. Heritage Foundation founder honored by Taiwan

Wu conferred the Grand Medal of Diplomacy on Feulner, who has worked through his foundation to make policy proposals favorable to Taiwan to the U.S. government and speak up for Taiwan among policymakers and think tanks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"His efforts have greatly contributed to the strengthening of Taiwan-US ties," it said.

Feulner has been a staunch supporter of Taiwan's democracy, freedom, and prosperity, stands behind the signing of a free-trade agreement between Taiwan and the U.S., and supports regular arms sales to Taiwan, the statement said.

The ministry also described Feulner as being instrumental to the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979 and has worked with six presidents, from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump, to upgrade the bilateral security and economic relationship.

He served as an advisor to the transition team of President-elect Donald Trump, and meets regularly with members of President Trump's national security team.

Feulner has visited Taiwan in many occasions and worked to promote Taiwan-U.S. ties by exchanging opinions with key Taiwan officials.